City has to change with the times

Unless you’ve been locked in your house without access to a newspaper, TV, the internet or a radio the past 18 months you know our political landscape is volatile.

It rose to a new level during last year’s presidential campaign, though locally it didn’t seem too bad. There were some Facebook conversations I shook my head at, but overall it wasn’t nearly as combustible as the national scene.

Things can change in an instant.

Linton Mayor John Wilkes recently hired Kristy Lewellyn, a local entrepreneur, to focus on the city’s business development and marketing plans. The mayor said she’s an independent contractor.

My first reaction to the move was positive. And it remains that way today. But it’s a wait-and-see scenario.

The mayor should be applauded for taking a positive step in promoting the city. Will Lewellyn be worth the $14 per hour she’ll be paid, plus receiving a used laptop from the city? Only time will tell.

Before anyone jumps on the bash-train over the previous two paragraphs, let me explain. This column isn’t intended to be a mouthpiece for the mayor and city. I can share with you the mayor and city haven’t always agreed with everything that’s been in the newspaper. He and others have shared as much with me to my face, and to many of my employees.

The newspaper will continue to cover the city in a fair and balanced manner, no matter how often we are questioned.

Comments on the story online announcing Lewellyn’s hiring scan the spectrum, but over 50% have been negative. Commenters are questioning the need for the position, and are sharing their opinion.

It’s outstanding people care enough to comment. But it has turned personal, and that’s sad. The same happened during Trump vs. Clinton.

The mayor has every right to make the hire. He also has a responsibility to Linton citizens to go another direction if he believes it’s not working.

The decision has already been made, so naysayers need to be a part of a solution instead of tearing down the idea. The idea has already become reality, whether we like it or not.

The final say will come down to the voters in the next election.

Life-long residents of the area know how much Linton and the entire area has changed over the past 50 years. Not all have been positive. I arrived in Linton in 1983 and can say without question the landscape has changed drastically in those 34 years.

Wilkes has been a part of the community for a very long time. I know him well enough to say I believe he wants Linton and the entire area to prosper. That’s the main reason he hired Lewellyn. And thinking outside the box is a good thing.

Why can’t we all get behind the move and do whatever we can to make Lewellyn’s position successful? What do we have to lose?

Actually a lot if we don’t do anything at all.

Chris is publisher of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by telephone at (812) 847-4487.